Pernicious Anemia: An in-depth look at the Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What is Pernicious Anemia?

Pernicious anemia is a condition where the body is unable to absorb vitamin B12, a nutrient that is crucial for the development of healthy red blood cells. The lack of vitamin B12 can lead to a decrease in the number of healthy red blood cells, leading to the development of various health complications.

What are the causes of Pernicious Anemia?

Pernicious anemia occurs due to the lack of a protein known as intrinsic factor. This protein is produced by the stomach and is responsible for binding with vitamin B12 in the food we eat. Without intrinsic factor, vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed and utilized by the body.

Some of the common causes of the lack of intrinsic factor include:

• Autoimmune conditions such as Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or type 1 diabetes.
• Surgical removal of the stomach or part of the small intestine.
• Certain medications such as metformin or colchicine.
• Congenital absence of the intrinsic factor.

What are the symptoms of Pernicious Anemia?

The symptoms of pernicious anemia may vary depending on the severity of vitamin B12 deficiency and can take months or even years to develop. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
• Glossitis (inflammation of the tongue)
• Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or constipation
• Cognitive impairment and memory loss

How is pernicious anemia diagnosed?

The diagnosis of pernicious anemia is based on a combination of blood tests and physical examination. The blood tests will measure the levels of:

• Vitamin B12: low levels of vitamin B12 indicate a deficiency.
• Folate: folate is another B vitamin that can mask the symptoms of pernicious anemia. Normal or high levels of folate can be a sign of pernicious anemia.
• Intrinsic factor antibodies: these antibodies attack and destroy intrinsic factor, leading to vitamin B12 deficiency.

A bone marrow biopsy may also be performed to check for changes in the bone marrow that are consistent with vitamin B12 deficiency.

How is pernicious anemia treated?

The treatment for pernicious anemia involves vitamin B12 injections to replenish the body's vitamin B12 stores. The injections are usually given once a month or once every few months, depending on the severity of the deficiency.

In some cases, oral vitamin B12 supplements may be prescribed, but they are less effective than injections. Dietary changes are not effective in treating pernicious anemia, as the body is unable to absorb vitamin B12 from food.

Regular blood tests and examinations are necessary to monitor the response to treatment and to check for any complications.

Pernicieuze Anemie